Machine for launching targets with rotating barrel

ABSTRACT

A machine for launching targets, the machine having a chassis on which a barrel is mounted mobile in rotation, a launching arm mounted mobile in rotation according to a cycle and configured to project at least one target, the cycle including a phase of arming by stressing a spring member until an armed angular position of the launching arm, a launching phase wherein a releasing of stress of the spring member is configured to rotate the arm and a phase of returning to an angular position for rearming the launching arm. The axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are combined.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in particular, to a machine for launching targets and, in particular, storing targets of such a machine.

A preferred application relates to the industry of shooting sports, and in particular the clay pigeon shooting industry, in particular for launching targets of the clay pigeon type.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Patent publication FR 3,016,208 A1 discloses a machine for launching targets integrating a chassis and a barrel mounted rotating on the chassis. The barrel comprises, on the periphery thereof, columns wherein are stacked targets to be launched. The capacity of the barrels varies according to the height of the number of columns. According to this prior art, the barrel is rotated about the axis thereof by way of a drive mechanism itself driven by an electric motorisation. Simultaneously, the arm for launching targets is rotated about the axis thereof by way of another drive mechanism itself also driven by the electric motorisation. Overall, the barrel is an assembly, often voluminous and quite heavy, particularly when it is loaded with targets and the movement thereof relative to the chassis is a technical difficulty.

There is a need for a machine for launching targets improving the operation of the barrel within the machine.

The invention allows to resolve all or some of the disadvantages of the current techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention relates, in particular, to a machine for launching targets, comprising:

-   -   a chassis on which a barrel is mounted mobile in rotation along         an axis of rotation, said barrel comprising a plurality of         columns for storing targets in a stack,     -   a launching arm mounted mobile in rotation along an axis of         rotation according to a cycle and configured to project at least         one target extracted from the barrel, the cycle comprising a         phase of arming the launching arm by stressing, by a         motorisation assembly, a spring member to an armed angular         position of the launching arm, a launching phase wherein a         release of stress of the spring member from the armed angular         position is configured to rotate the arm, while the at least one         target is born on the launching arm, and a phase of returning to         an angular position for rearming the launching arm.

Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are combined.

Thus, the barrel is centred relative to the launching system comprising the arm. Thus, until now, the barrel is highly laterally deported relative to the arm, the invention recentres the operation of these two rotating parts. The balance of the machine is clearly improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a system for rotating the barrel, said system being configured to produce a rotation of the barrel during the arming phase.

This can occur during only one part of the arming phase; preferably, the rotation of the barrel occurs only during this phase.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method, in particular for actuating in rotation a barrel of a machine for launching targets.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear upon reading the following detailed description, and regarding the appended drawings given as non-limiting examples and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective, peeled-back view of a machine according to the invention, in an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the angular articulation of the launching arm during a cycle of rotation,

FIG. 3a shows, as a top view, certain aspects of the machine according to the invention in an embodiment, and FIG. 3b shows a top view disclosing other aspects;

FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show certain components of the system for rotating the barrel;

FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b show, as a top view, the relative positions of certain components of the machine of the invention, in a first state of the launching arm corresponding to a first angular position of the latter; FIGS. 6a and 6b , FIGS. 7a and 7b , FIGS. 8a and 8b , FIGS. 9a and 9b and FIGS. 10a and 10b show successive phases of operation of the system for driving the barrel, during a progression in rotation of the launching arm;

FIG. 11 presents, as a top view, certain components of the invention, while a target is undergoing projection;

FIG. 12 is a perspective, peeled-back view of certain components of a machine with a launching arm and a rotating barrel according to the state of the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before entering into the details of preferred embodiments of the invention in reference to the drawings in particular, other optional features of the invention, which can be implemented in a combined manner according to any combinations or alternatively, are indicated below:

-   -   preferably, a system 22 for rotating the barrel 7 is configured         to produce a rotation of the barrel 7 during the arming phase;     -   advantageously, the drive system 22 comprises a conversion         element between the first part and the second part, the         conversion element receiving the drive force and rotating the         second part;     -   according to a possibility, the first part comprises a thrust         member 18 off-centre relative to the axis of rotation A.     -   possibly, the thrust member 18 comprises a roller rotatably         mounted on the launching arm 3;     -   preferably, the second part comprises a gearwheel 13;     -   according to a non-limiting possibility, the conversion element         comprises a ratchet 14 configured to drive the gearwheel 13 and         a drive member 17 on which is mounted the ratchet 14, the drive         member 17 comprising a support surface 26 of the thrust member         18;     -   optionally, the support surface 26 has a convex curved line         profile;     -   preferably, the ratchet 14 is rotatably mounted on the drive         member 17;     -   according to a possibility, the drive member 17 is rotatably         mounted relative to the support 2;     -   in an embodiment, the conversion element comprises a member for         returning the ratchet 14 configured to maintain the ratchet 14         born on the gearwheel 13;     -   according to a preferred embodiment, the ratchet 14 is rotatably         mounted on the drive member 17 by way of a shaft 16, said shaft         16 passing through a space 15 configured to guide the shaft 16         and formed in the support 2;     -   advantageously, the axis of rotation of the barrel 7 is         perpendicular to a plane comprising the support 2 and is placed         in the centre of the barrel 7.

The representation of FIG. 12 shows a partial perspective view of a machine for launching targets of the clay pigeon type according to the state of the art. Such a machine has a chassis 1 on which is mounted a set of components allowing the driving of a launching arm 3 about an axis A1. One of these components is a motorisation 6, typically a geared motor. The outlet of this motorisation 6 drives, first, a drive finger D in a rotational movement during which the latter can draw alongside a part corresponding to an end of a spring 5 which is thus displaced to a traction position. The launching arm 3 is integral with the spring system 5 such that, during a triggering releasing the spring, the latter suddenly leads to a rotation of the launching arm, for the projection of a target in position on a launching plate 4. On the other hand, the machine has a barrel of which only one support part 2 forming the base thereof is represented; the body of the barrel rotates about an axis A2. The motorisation 6 is also used for the displacement in rotation of the barrel, by way of a set of transmissions comprising a connecting rod system B, a shaft mounted in rotation about an axis A3 and a secondary connecting rod C. The very substantial clearance between the axes A1 and A2 will be noted.

As a counterpoint, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment example of the present invention. A chassis 1 is always present to support the assembly. Immediately above, possibly, a system for adjusting the inclination is used.

Furthermore, the following are noted:

-   -   a motorisation 6, typically a geared motor, comprising an         electric motor and an output gear train;     -   a launching arm 3 mounted in rotation by way of a shaft 23 about         a geometric axis A;     -   a spring member 5, working in particular in traction, to reach         an armed position;     -   the system comprising the motorisation has, furthermore in the         illustrated case, a chain transmission 24 engaging with a         gearwheel itself rotating a drive system 22 (here, the         connecting rod) configured to displace an end of the spring         member 5 to tension it; the spring member 5 is also configured         to rotate the arm 3 via the shaft 23 during the launching phase;         a freewheel system can in particular be used, such that the         launching arm is inactive during the phase of arming the spring         and that it is active in another operating direction of the         freewheel, during the launching phase.

Advantageously, the machine has a metal frame.

The arm 3 can have a mobility organised according to a cycle broken down in FIG. 2 and comprising a phase for preparing the arm 3, otherwise called arming phase, during which the arm 3 is displaced in rotation, by the low-speed motorisation 6 to a starting position, otherwise called armed angular position P₀, this preparation phase also serving to accumulate energy in the spring 5. A launching phase is then executed by releasing the spring 5, generating a sudden movement (with a kinetic energy V₀₁ revealing a strong acceleration) of the arm 3 driving the target 9. At this stage, the arm is in an end launching position P1 and the target 9 escapes from the launching plate 4 to be projected. The arm 3 continues the movement thereof until the stopping thereof in a position P₂ corresponding to a start for the rearming. Between P₁ and P₂, the arm undergoes progressively a deceleration, corresponding to the kinetic phase referenced V₁₂.

During a launching cycle, the launching arm 3 evolves along a circular trajectory over 360 degrees. In the starting position, the end of the launching arm 3 is oriented in the direction substantially opposite the direction of ejection of the target 9. The sudden expansion of the spring member 5 makes the arm 3 undergo an acceleration, the target is projected, for example after a progression of about 140 degrees (for example, the average speed of the arm at the ejection of the target is thus 500 rpm); at 180 degrees for example, the spring member 5 arrives at the end of the expansion thereof but, carried by the inertia thereof, the arm will continue the progression thereof to, for example, about 270 degrees and will freeze the position thereof using an anti-return wheel.

If the cycle is made with a target, the arm will freeze the position thereof a little earlier, in particular before 270 degrees. If the cycle is made without any target, the arm will freeze the position thereof a little later, in particular beyond 270 degrees.

Once this position is reached, the arm will evolve a motor speed (for example, 20 rpm, however, a speed comprised between 5 rpm and 50 rpm, can also be used for information purposes) to the armed position.

An aspect of the invention is to benefit from the breakdown of this cycle to rotate the barrel 7 (advantageously, this rotation of the barrel is made along the same axis as that of the rotation of the launching arm 3, but the system for driving the barrel 7 could be used separately from the single axis feature). In particular, the arming phase can be benefited from during which the launching arm evolves at a speed controlled by the motorisation, advantageously constant speed.

Below, the barrel 7 and an embodiment for the rotation thereof are described in more detail.

As FIG. 1 shows, the launching arm 3 surmounts a launching plate 4 (receiving at least one target 9 intended to be projected). The target in question comes from the barrel 7 surmounting the launching plate 4 and the launching arm 3 and comprising a plurality of columns 8.

Advantageously, the barrel 7 is rotatably mounted about the axis A. Preferably the axis of rotation A of the barrel 7 is placed in the centre of said barrel 7.

The barrel 7 comprises a plurality of columns for storing 8 targets. Advantageously, the targets are stored by stacking inside said storage columns 8. Preferably, the plurality of columns for storing 8 targets form a crown concentric to the axis of rotation A. The crown allows to define an inner volume of the barrel 7. The storage columns 8 each comprise a perimeter defining a volume inside which the targets will be positioned. At the centre of this perimeter, and for each of the storage columns 8, a central axis of the storage column 8 is present. Advantageously, said central axis of the storage column 8 corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the storage column 8. This preferred configuration allows to have a central axis of the storage column 8 perfectly centred at the middle of the volume defined by the perimeters of the storage column 8. Thus, the volume receiving the targets is symmetrical about the central axis of the storage column 8. Advantageously, this axis is parallel to the axis of rotation A.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the perimeter of the storage columns 8 is not complete. Thus, a free space in this perimeter allows more easily the lateral insertion of targets. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, this perimeter is defined by a plurality of rods which laterally delimit the columns 8. Preferably, the missing part of the perimeter is the part rotated outwards from the barrel 7, i.e. the part of the perimeter the farthest from the axis of rotation of the barrel 7. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the storage columns 8 have a complete perimeter.

The number of storage columns 8 present in the barrel 7 depends on the diameter of said barrel 7 and on the size of the targets.

In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the number of storage columns is eight. However, this number of storage columns 8 is not limiting. Advantageously, all the storage columns 8 of one same barrel 7 have the same diameter.

Generally, the barrel 7 performs successive rotations configured to deliver the targets (one per column) of all the columns. A rotation, in several steps, of 360°, corresponds to a complete cycle. In this embodiment, the angular displacement of the barrel at each of the rotations thereof is preferably identical to the preceding rotation.

Preferably, the barrel 7 is mounted above a support 2 fixed relatively to the chassis and surmounting the launching plate 4 and the launching arm 3. FIG. 3a , in particular, shows the plate 2 and a base 12 of the barrel 7 rotating relative to the plate 2. The plate 2 carried by the chassis 1 advantageously comprises at least one hole 10.

Advantageously, the hole 10 is positioned in order to enable a displacement of a target coming from a storage column 8 to the launching plate 4, at the level of a zone for receiving 11 the plate 4 presented in particular in FIG. 3b . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the targets are brought, one-by-one, onto the launching plate, in order to provide the launching arm 3 with one single target. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the launching arm 3 is provided, for each launch, with at least two targets coming from the barrel 7.

The rotation of the launching arm advantageously allows the target present on the launching plate 4 to converge to a supporting element applicable on the section of the target in view of the ejection of said target in good guiding conditions.

It is understood therefore, that the rotation of the barrel 7 which delivers the targets 9 has a significant functionality regarding the remainder of the machine, in particular regarding the launching by the arm 3.

An aspect of the invention is to propose an advantageous driving of the barrel 7. In this context, a preferred option of the invention is to produce the rotation of the barrel 7 by the application of a force on the latter (preferably in the form of a rotation torque) applied by the arm 3, preferably via an intermediate assembly, allowing the power transmission. In the embodiment presented below, a force produced by the arm 3 is used during the phase of arming the latter.

FIG. 3a illustrates a part of the system for rotating the barrel 7, this part being integral in rotation with this barrel 7. This comprises, in the illustration, a gearwheel 13 mobile in rotation, integral with the barrel about the axis A. Another part of the drive system is integral with the rotational movement of the arm 3, and is for example, at least partially constituted by the thrust member 18 which can be seen in FIG. 3b . As represented, the member 18 is optionally arranged at a distance from the axis A. In a preferred embodiment, the member 18 is a roller rotatably mounted on the arm 3, the axis of rotation of the roller being preferably parallel to the axis A. It is understood that the angular articulation of the arm 3 will modify the position of the thrust member 18.

The drive system further comprises, in the case represented, a conversion element allowing to convert a thrust force of the member 18 (or more generally of the first part of the drive system mounted on the arm 3) into a force for rotating the barrel (by way of the second part of the drive system, mounted on the barrel 7). In particular, the conversion element can comprise a ratchet system. Thus, FIG. 3a shows a ratchet 14 configured to mesh the gearwheel 13. This ratchet 14 is itself mounted, preferably by a pivot at the level of an axis 16 referenced in FIG. 3b on a member 17 for driving the ratchet; the member 17 is preferably itself mounted pivoting relative to the remainder of the machine, for example by a pivot on the support 2. Moreover, the thrust member 18 is applied on a support surface 26 of the member 17 so as to displace the member 17 in rotation by a thrust induced by the arm 3. It is understood that the rotational movement combined with the member 17 and with the ratchet 14 will allow to displace the gearwheel 13 in rotation in a direction of displacement of the ratchet 14. The profile of the gearwheel 13 is of course configured to allow this driving.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show other details of the system for driving the barrel 7. In particular, they have a spring 19 serving a means for returning the ratchet 14 in a position of application on the periphery of the gearwheel 13. Thus, in a direction of rotation corresponding to the driving, it is guaranteed that the ratchet 14 is applied, by a projecting portion, in a tooth 21 of the gearwheel 13. In the other direction of rotation, the gearwheel 13 and the ratchet 14 are configured to not transmit power between them. The gearwheel 13 can, for example, be screwed by the lower face of the base 12 of the barrel 7. Preferably, it surmounts the support 2 provided with the hole 10, as FIG. 4b shows. The support 2 advantageously includes a space 15, having for example an oblong shape, configured to guide the movement of the pivot axis (physically a shaft) of the ratchet 14 relative to the member 17. A pivot point 25 of the member 17 on the support 2 is also presented.

Preferably, the profile of the support surface 26 of the member 17 is a curved line, and particularly is a concave curved line. Furthermore, during the rotation of the barrel 7, the engagement of the member 18 and of the member 17 is preferably configured to move closer to the member 18 from the pivot point 25.

FIGS. 5a to 10b show successive phases of engagement of the parts of the system for driving the barrel 7.

In FIG. 5a , the launching arms 3 is located at the level of the rearming starting position P₂. Upstream from this position and advantageously at the start of the rearming phase, the system for driving the barrel 7 is configured to not impose any force on the latter point, this is revealed in FIG. 5a by the fact that the ratchet 14 and the gearwheel 13 do not mesh. But, in this position P₂, the thrust member 18 approaches the member 17 as FIG. 5b reveals.

The contact is made progressively and at motor speed. The inner curved shape of the member 17 interferes with the member 18, which causes the rotation thereof about the axis 25. The ratchet 14 linked to the member 17 is displaced until coming into contact with a tooth 21 of the gearwheel 13. FIGS. 6a and 6b present this docking.

The displacement of the launching arm 3 causes the rotation of the base of the barrel 7 until the storage column 8 corresponding to the target 9 to be delivered is positioned above the drop hole 10. A target 9 is thus deposited on the zone for receiving 11 the launching plate 4. This progressive rotation corresponds to FIGS. 7a to 9 b.

In the angular position of the arm 3 corresponding to FIGS. 10a and 10b , the member 17 no longer interferes with the member 18, and under the action of the spring 19, it pivots until the axis 16 comes into contact with the distal end 20 of the space 15. The shape of the teeth 21 of the gearwheel 13 enables the sliding of the ratchet 14. To finish, the launching arm 3 comes into contact with the target 9 before being stopped, as FIG. 10b shows. This stopping is preferably done against a retractable stop element to trigger the projection.

During the steps described above, the motorisation 6 also ensures the rearming of the spring member 5.

Then, the triggering of a launch is commanded and the arm 3 suddenly rotates by releasing the energy stored in the spring member 5. FIG. 11 adheres during this phase.

In the embodiment illustrated, for information purposes, the barrel 7 containing eight columns, 45 degrees suffice for the loading of targets which involves an oscillation of the ratchet over 65 degrees ensures the perfect delivery thereof.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to all embodiments according to the scope thereof.

REFERENCES

A1. Arm axis A2. Barrel axis A3. Connecting rod axis B. Connecting rod C. Secondary connecting rod D. Drive finger A. Axis P₀. Armed position P₁. End launching position P₂. Rearming position V₀₁. First kinetic phase V₁₂. Second kinetic phase V₂₀. Third kinetic phase 1. Chassis 2. Support 3. Launching arm 4. Launching plate 5. Spring 6. Motorisation 7. Barrel 8. Storage column 9. Target 10. Hole 11. Receiving zone 12. Barrel base 13. Gearwheel 14. Ratchet 15. Space 16. Shaft 17. Ratchet drive member 18. Thrust member 19. Spring 20. End 21. Tooth 22. Drive system 23. Shaft 24. Chain 25. Pivot point 26. Support surface 

1. A machine for launching targets comprising: a chassis on which a barrel is mounted mobile in rotation along an axis of rotation, said barrel comprising a plurality of columns for storing targets in a stack, a launching arm mounted mobile in rotation along an axis of rotation according to a cycle and configured to project at least one target extracted from the barrel, the cycle comprising a phase of arming the launching arm by stressing, by a motorisation assembly, of a spring member to an armed angular position of the launching arm, a launching phase wherein a releasing of stress of the spring member from the armed angular position is configured to rotate the arm while the at least one target is born on the launching arm, and a phase of returning to a rearming angular position of the launching arm; a drive system for rotating the barrel, said system being configured to produce a rotation of the barrel during the arming phase; and wherein the axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are combined; and wherein the drive system comprises a first part mounted on the launching arm and a second part integral with the rotation of the barrel, the first part being configured to generate a force for driving the second part during the arming phase.
 2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the drive system comprises a conversion element between the first part and the second part, the conversion element receiving the drive force and rotating the second part.
 3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a thrust member off-centre relative to the axis of rotation.
 4. The machine according to claim 3, wherein the thrust member comprises a roller rotatably mounted on the launching arm.
 5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a gearwheel.
 6. The machine according to claim 5, wherein the drive system comprises a conversion element between the first part and the second part, the conversion element receiving the drive force and rotating the second part, the first part comprises a thrust member off-centre relative to the axis of rotation, the conversion element comprises a ratchet configured to drive the gearwheel and a drive member on which is mounted the ratchet, the drive member comprising a support surface of the thrust member.
 7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the support surface has a convex curved line profile.
 8. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the drive member is rotatably mounted relative to the support.
 9. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the ratchet is rotatably mounted on the drive member.
 10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the conversion element comprising a member for returning the ratchet configured to maintain the ratchet born on the gearwheel.
 11. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the ratchet is rotatably mounted on the drive member by way of a shaft, said shaft passing through a space configured to guide the shaft and formed in the support.
 12. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation of the barrel is perpendicular to a plane comprising the support and is placed in the centre of the barrel. 